Obi-Wan’s Ghost Might Appear in ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

Ewan McGregor is rumored to have already shot scenes.

If the latest Star Wars rumors are to be believed, Obi-Wan “Ben” Kenobi’s ghost will materialize in the 2019 sequel to The Last Jedi. After Yoda’s surprise appearance as a Jedi spirit, Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi might be next.

But, the notion that Obi-Wan Kenobi’s spirit — as played by McGregor — could appear in Star Wars: Episode IX actually makes a lot of sense. For one thing, the actor already played Obi-Wan’s spirit in The Force Awakens back in 2015. When Rey experiences various visions through the Force after touching Luke’s lightsaber, Ewan McGregor recorded the line “these are your first steps,” as Obi-Wan Kenobi, speaking directly to Rey. (The line “Rey” was a snippet of dialogue from the late Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan in the classic films.)

The point is, if Star Wars: Episode IX will wrap up all the existing big movies, it’s not crazy to think an appearance from Obi-Wan is out of the question. Rian Johnson already went on record that he considered using Ewan McGregor to shoot scenes for The Last Jedi, but ultimately decided on a Yoda cameo instead. This doesn’t mean J.J. Abrams will make the same decision.

If it does happen, it will be the first time Ewan McGregor’s face has been visible on screen in a Star Wars film since 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. And, if he is playing the older Obi-Wan, he’ll probably have to dye his hair white.